Fundraising Frenzy as New Session Looms.

Public financing of political campaigns has become an expensive supplement to fundraising from lobbyists and their clients. The explosion of legislators maintaining ongoing political committees comes into full view today and tomorrow as public officials seek to tap a gusher of lobbyist contributions before the Wednesday ban begins with the opening of the legislative session.

The ongoing legislative political committees had been limited to three in each of the four caucuses. While public financing costs continue to grow–though the amount one needs to raise to qualify remains the same–the number of Democrats maintaining ongoing political committees financed by fundraising events fueled by lobbyist contributions has exploded.

It’s an issue that requires further examination.